Church History and Beliefs

 

St. James AME Church stands majestically on the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Court Street. Its Gothic architectural structure creates a commanding air of splendor and beauty that has merited it a place in the annals of New Jersey's Historical Registry. Within this Gothic cathedral are sixteen priceless, stained glass windows which include: one massive floor-to-celling "Rose" window, six exquisite Tiffany windows that depict biblical history in raised relief, and nine simply designed floral-patterned windows. The complete structure of St. James is so unified until it creates a feeling of harmony and soaring height making it a " gem of a rare architectural beauty."

  

Humble Beginnings

 

Rev. C. Birch on Green Street in Newark, New Jersey organized St. James, originally known as Bethel AME Church, in 1842. It was disbanded for a brief period, but was reorganized shortly thereafter under a new name... St. James AME Church. After settling temporarily in a variety of places the trustees finally secured a building on Union Street and remained there until 1945.

 

On January 1, 1945, the present church was purchased under the leadership of Rev. Mansfield P. Jackson for $35,000. Several bidders offered larger amounts for the building, but the original owners, Old First Presbyterian Church, chose the congregation that it felt would keep the church as well as help the community. The St. James Congregation held their first worship service on January 7, 1945. Dedication services were held on January 14, 1945. The mortgage was paid in full on December 20, 1945 and was burned on January 13, 1946.

  

Called to Serve

 

In the latter half of the 20th century, the following ministers have served as pastor of St. James: 1950 – Rev. Eustace L. Blake, 1966 – Rev. D. McNeil Owens, 1979 – Rev. L. Sylvester Odom, 1979 – Rev. Vernon R. Byrd. Rev. Byrd was the first pastor from St. James to be elevated to the office of bishop. In 1984 Rev. Byrd was consecrated the 105th bishop of the AME Church.

  

Growing for God's Glory

 

In 1984 Rev. William D. Watley ascended to the pastorate of St. James and catapulted the church to a new realm of spirituality, stewardship, education and service. Under his leadership the Christian Learning Center was established, bible studies for men, women, youth and the community were also instituted. Wednesday noonday worship service which attracts more than 700 people was started, and the 6:00 am Sunday worship service was also added. Stewardship has grown so significantly that tithing has become the method of financing the church's many ministries.

 

In a thrust for educational excellence St. James established a faith-based, technologically adept preparatory school – St. James Preparatory. St. James Social Services Corporation was formed to provide much needed social programs, (i.e., after school care, feeding and clothing, summer camp and workforce development). The St. James Church Development Corp. promotes economic development through homeownership, entrepreneurship and community development support. Many new ministries have also been birthed during Rev. Watley's tenure: Media Ministry (audio/video/television), Dance Ministry, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, New Life Ministry, Family Resource Ministry, Ministries of Hope and Healing, Women's and Men's Ministries, Restoration Ministry... and so much more.

 

Our Beliefs

 

WE BELIEVE in a God who is infinite and eternal, omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all powerful) and omnipresent (everywhere at the same time), who has been manifested and revealed in Jesus Christ and still lives among us as the Holy Sprit.

 

WE BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is the final and fullest revelation of God and that he is both fully human and fully divine (Heb. 1:1-3).

 

WE BELIEVE that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners (I Tim. 1:15) and that having conquered death he now reigns as Lord of all (Rev. 11:15).

 

WE BELIEVE that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead, we shall be saved (Romans 10:9).

 

WE BELIEVE that Jesus died for our sins (I Cor. 15:3) not because he had to, but because he loves us and that each of us is important, really important, in the eyes and in the heart of God (Jn. 15:13).

 

WE BELIEVE that once we confess Jesus as Lord, the Holy Spirit becomes a permanent presence in our lives (Jn. 14:16-17).

 

WE BELIEVE that the Holy Spirit fills (Eph. 5:16) anoints (Lk. 4:18) empowers (Acts 1:6) and bestows gifts upon us (I Cor. 12:4-6) to equip the saints for ministry, to edify the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12) and set the captives free (Lk. 4:18).

 

WE BELIEVE that the Bible is the inspired word of God written by fallible human beings who were under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and that it contains all things necessary for salvation (II Tim. 3:14-17).

 

WE BELIEVE that the Lordship of Jesus Christ mandates that we tithe, which means giving 10 percent of our gross income to the church, and that the failure to tithe is flagrant disobedience to the word of God (Mat. 3:8-10).

 

WE BELIEVE in one Church, established by Jesus Christ, and called by many names and manifested in many traditions (Eph. 4:4-6).

 

WE BELIEVE that the Church is called to witness to others and to introduce them to Jesus Christ, who saves us. We believe that any and everyone can become a new person in Jesus Christ. (II Cor. 5:16).

 

WE BELIEVE that because Jesus was resurrected from the dead, we too, shall live eternally in a body that is immortal and incorruptible (II Cor. 15:20-23).

 

WE BELIEVE that according to God's Word and promise, Jesus is coming back in glory and that we shall live with him forever (I Thes. 4:13-18).

 

WE BELIEVE that until the time of Christ's return or our departure, God wants us to grow and grow and keep on growing until we reach full maturity as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.